Day 1: San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other families who will be joining you for your trip. After the meeting, you’ll have a welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow families and try some delicious Costa Rican cuisine.
Day 2: Arenal
Jump straight into the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the San Jose Central Market this morning. Browse handicrafts, tropical fruits, aromatic herbs and spices, leather goods and street food straight off the grill. Next, drive to Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Centre in the small town of La Fortuna. On a guided wildlife tour at this not-for-profit animal sanctuary, you and the kids will encounter Costa Rican wildlife like sloths, macaws, toucans, spider monkeys, coatis, snapping turtles and caimans. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation work, then you’ll do some volunteering – the kids will love getting involved with making enrichment toys and preparing food for the animals. Then, watch the animals in action during feeding time. Later today, you’ll drive to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights – Heliconias Nature Inn. From your comfortable room set in the rainforest, you’ll have access to hot springs sourced from the mineral-rich rivers of the Arenal Volcano.
Day 3: Arenal
Today is a free day for you and your family to enjoy La Fortuna however you like. Speak to your leader about the optional activities on offer – you might like to go on a hike to get some excellent views of Arenal Volcano or (if you've got some thrill seekers in the family) go ziplining. You could also go on a coffee and cacao tour of a family-run farm, where you can learn to prepare your own cup of coffee using a traditional chorreador – a wooden device that’s been used to brew coffee in Costa Rica for more than 200 years – and the kids can get their turn with a chocolate-making experience, where they can make their own artisanal chocolate bars to take home. This evening, go on a guided hike through nearby forest, where kids will have fun spotting nocturnal wildlife like colourful tree frogs, sloths, insects and birds. Dinner is also included this evening.
Day 4: Playa Hermosa
Venture off the beaten track today with a visit to a Maleku community – the smallest indigenous community in Costa Rica, with only around 650 members left in the tribe. Meet with Maleku locals and hear about their history, culture and the challenges they face in modern Costa Rica. Learn about the community’s deep connection to nature and their work towards reforesting to encourage wildlife to return to their natural habitats. See some examples of traditional Maleku handicrafts, then you and the kids will have a go at making your own. Using carved calabash fruit and acrylic paints, each of you will craft your own jicara (traditional drinking cup) to take home as a souvenir. Share a traditional Maleku meal with your hosts for lunch, then continue to Playa Hermosa, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Day 5: Playa Hermosa
Head to a village near Santa Cruz to meet with a local family and get hands-on in the kitchen. Learn how to make tortillas, then watch a demonstration on how to make the regional specialty of rosquillas (corn cookies) – a bite-sized sweet and savoury treat that’s sure to be a favourite for the kids. Sit down with the family for lunch, then the rest of your day is free. You might like to head to the beach or relax by the pool at the hotel.
Day 6: Playa Hermosa
This morning is free for you and your family to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, set sail on a catamaran to explore the Papagayo coastline. Hop into the water for a swim or some snorkelling with the kids to see sea turtles, rays and colourful tropical fish. Then, kick back and relax on board the spacious boat with a drink in hand from the open bar serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board, then watch the sky transform as the sun sets over the water. Tonight, consider heading to a restaurant with the other families for a farewell dinner to celebrate the memories you’ve shared!
Day 7: Playa Hermosa
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. A transfer to Liberia Airport will be provided. Alternatively, the option for a transfer to San Jose Airport will also be provided (at an additional cost). If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica – and it’s highly recommended you do – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
